The Power of Smile ™ Oral Health Library
Stay up to date on the current topics and trends in dentistry. Articles are updated regularly on topics that discuss the importance of oral health as it relates to overall health from our team of experts.
Meet The Clinicians
Learn about current topics and trends in dentistry and the importance of oral health as it relates to overall health from our team of experts.

Eileen Crespo, MD
Dr. Eileen Crespo is the Vice President of Medical Services at Delta Dental of Minnesota. Dr. Crespo is a practicing pediatrician of 20 years. She is currently a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and a member of the Board of Directors at Children’s Dental Service and the Minnesota Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Nirmala Prabhu, DMD
Dr. Nirmala Prabhu (Dr. Nina) is the Vice President of Dental Services at Delta Dental of Minnesota. Prior to joining Delta Dental of Minnesota, Dr. Nina was the Director of National Dental Policy and Surveillance and Utilization Review Subsystem (SURS) at Delta Dental of California for 18 years.

R. Bruce Templeton, DMD
Dr. Bruce Templeton is an oral surgeon and has served both on the board and as a medical consultant for Delta Dental of Minnesota since 2011. Dr. Templeton has served as both the Chief of Dentistry and Oral/Maxillofacial Surgery at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System, and as a clinical professor at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry.
Recent Articles
- 10 Tips for Oral Health and Pregnancy
- 5 foods you didn’t know were good for your teeth
- Ask an Expert: Basics of Toothbrushing
- Athletic mouthguards to protect teeth
- Cannabis (marijuana) and your oral health
- Choosing between a general and pediatric dentist
- Clinician's Corner: A beginner's guide to braces
- Clinician's Corner: Baby teeth— the building blocks to a healthy smile
- Clinician's Corner: Caring for & cleaning braces
- Clinician's Corner: Dental dangers on TikTok
- Clinician's Corner: Dentures do's and don'ts
- Clinician's Corner: Losing Baby Teeth
- Clinician's Corner: Oral health & the immune system
- Clinician's Corner: Pearls of wisdom... teeth!
- Clinician's Corner: Raising a cavity-free kid
- Clinician's Corner: Tips for dealing with dry mouth
- Clinician’s Corner: Acidic drinks & your teeth
- Clinician’s Corner: Dental Sealants
- Clinician’s Corner: Keep kids smiling all summer!
- Clinician’s Corner: Teeth grinding & COVID-19
- Dentists, your child and oral health
- Guide to your child’s teeth
- Gum disease, tooth loss and heart health
- Help your child floss](/article/help-your-child-floss
- How the sun can keep your smile shining
- Oral health in middle-age (30-50 year olds)
- Osteoporosis medications & oral health
- Preventing early childhood cavities
- The connection between diabetes and oral health
- What to do when your child has a toothache
Featured Articles
Monkeypox guidelines to keep you safe
As monkeypox continues to spread, there are steps and precautions you can take to stay safe. Dentists and doctors have been instructed to screen for oral lesions or rashes.
Dentures - options and care
Natural teeth can be replaced by full dentures that can be non-implant retained or implant retained. Learn about the options available to replace missing teeth and the care needed to ensure the best results from your dentures.
Rehydration - which drinks are best for your oral health?
Rehydration is the replacement of fluids and electrolytes lost via exercise, illness or other conditions that can deplete the body. While there are many different rehydration choices, it’s important to know which ones are best for your oral health .
10 Tips for Oral Health and Pregnancy
As you incorporate new habits and changes to your lifestyle in order to ensure the health of you and your baby, be sure that you are also considering your oral health! Studies have shown strong correlations between the oral health of parents and children - even during pregnancy. Use these tips to care for yourself, and to give your little one a head start toward a healthy smile.
Cannabis (marijuana) and your oral health
Some research and studies have shown that marijuana use can have positive medical effects, but how does its use impact your oral health? Using marijuana can cause problems such as dry mouth, gum disease and even thrush. Find out about the possible risks and some tips to keep in mind to try to minimize damage to your mouth.
Oral health in middle-age (30-50 year olds)
As life and adult years progress, it's important not to neglect oral health. Genetics and lifestyle can contribute to the development of chronic diseases and many of the most common diseases can have connections to one’s oral health.
The connection between diabetes and oral health
Did you know that those who have gum (periodontal) disease are at greater risk for diabetes? The reverse is also true. Gum disease is a risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes. This demonstrates the strong connection between diabetes and dental health.
Athletic mouthguards to protect teeth
Just as helmets, knee pads or other protective equipment should be worn during certain sports and activities, mouthguards are also crucial for protection from injury. Contact sports or activities that cause collision can be especially risky to your mouth and teeth. Find out which sports and activities require a mouthguard and the different types and benefits that are offered.
Osteoporosis medications & oral health
For people who take bone-strengthening medications such as those used to treat osteoporosis, related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) can develop after dental treatments that involve the bone. This is known as antiresorptive therapy and is common today. Let's take a look at this connection between certain medications and oral health.
Gum disease, tooth loss and heart health
Most people may not be aware of the distinct connection between the health of their gums and the health of their heart. If you care for your oral health, you are also caring for the rest of your body because of the link between dental and overall health.
Preventing early childhood cavities
Yes, even baby teeth are at risk of cavities. It's important to start caring for your child's teeth as soon as they erupt so that you can enjoy their happy & healthy smiles for years to come. Learn about the risk of early child cavities and how to prevent them in this post.
Clinician's Corner: Dental dangers on TikTok
Many people turn to social media for ideas, advice and "hacks" to make improvements to their lifestyle or routine. Before using any of the tips you find on TikTok or elsewhere regarding your oral health and dental routine, be aware that some of these are dangerous and can damage your teeth. Practicing pediatrician Dr. Crespo explains why some popular TikTok trends should be avoided all together in order to keep you safe and healthy.